Card reader device and method of use

ABSTRACT

A card reader device for reading a card having data stored on a magnetic stripe incorporated into the card is disclosed in which the card reader device comprises a read head for passing a magnetic stripe of a card by to read data stored on a magnetic stripe and for producing a signal indicative of data stored on a magnetic stripe, and an output plug adapted to be inserted into a headset jack associated with a host device for providing the signal indicative of data stored on a magnetic stripe to a host device.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/657,792, which was filed on Jan. 27, 2010, which is now U.S. Pat. No.7,896,248, which was a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/456,134, which was filed on Jun. 10, 2009, whichis now U.S. Pat. No. 7,810,729.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to a card reader device for use with a hostdevice for reading a magnetic stripe card and more particularly to aportable card reader device which senses the magnetically recordedinformation stored on a magnetic stripe card and conveys this sensedinformation via an analog waveform to a host device for furtherprocessing.

Plastic cards having a magnetic stripe embedded on one side of the cardare prevalent in every day commerce. These cards are used in varioustransactions such as to pay for purchases by using a credit card, adebit card, or a gasoline charge card. A charge card or a debit card mayalso be used to transact business with a bank through use of anautomated teller machine (ATM). The magnetic stripe card is capable ofstoring data by modifying the magnetism of magnetic particles embeddedin the stripe. The data stored on the magnetic stripe may be sensed orread by swiping the stripe past a read head. The analog waveformobtained by sensing the magnetic stripe must undergo a process known asdecoding to obtain the digital information stored in the magnetic stripeof the card. Conventional magnetic stripe card readers are comprised ofboth relatively simple sensing components as well as the more costly andcomplex decoding and communication components.

It is typical in a magnetic stripe card to locate the magnetic stripe0.223 inches from an edge of the card with the stripe being 0.375 incheswide. The magnetic stripe contains up to three tracks of digital datawith each track being 0.110 inches wide. Tracks one and three aretypically recorded at 210 bits per inch, while track two typically has arecording density of 75 bits per inch. Each track can either contain7-bit alphanumeric characters, or 5-bit numeric characters. Track onestandards were created by the airlines industry, the International AirTransport Association. Track one can contain information reserved forthe bank that issued the card and magnetically encoded data like theprimary account number, the user's name, a country code, an expirationdate for the card, and 79 characters of discretionary data, all mixed inwith separators and other specialized computer characters. The secondtrack, the track most commonly used, is in a format defined by theAmerican Bankers Association. The second track can contain the primaryaccount number, the country code, the card's expiration date, 40characters of discretionary data, and separator characters. The thirdtrack is in a format called THRIFT and was originally intended for usewith ATMs. Unlike tracks one and two, which are read only tracks, thethird track was intended for read and write applications. However, forthe most part, the third track is hardly ever used. Further, theInternational Organization for Standardization (ISO), aninternational-standard setting body, has a set of standards fordescribing the physical dimensions and recording technique onidentification cards which are known as ISO 7810 and 7811.

Magnetic stripe cards having these standard specifications can typicallybe read by point-of-sale devices at a merchant's location. When the cardis swiped through an electronic card reader at the checkout counter at amerchant's store, the reader will usually use its built-in modem to dialthe number of a company that handles credit authentication requests.Once the account is verified an approval signal will be sent back to themerchant to complete a transaction.

Although magnetic stripe cards are universally used by merchants thereis no way for an individual to take advantage of the card to receive apayment from another individual (who is not a merchant) by swiping thecard through a simple reader attached to his cell phone or anotherdevice which can connect to the Internet. For example, one individualmay owe another person money for a debt, but one way to pay the debt isto provide cash or a check. It would be convenient to be able to use acredit card or a debit card to pay off the debt. In addition, it isadvantageous for an individual to make payment to another individual ormerchant by swiping his magnetic stripe card through a reader connectedto a cell phone or other device. However, there is presently no way foran individual to send payment to an individual or merchant through theuse of a magnetic stripe card by using a simple magnetic stripe cardreader connected to a cell phone or other device.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a simple card reader devicethat would allow an individual to receive or send payments through theuse of a magnetic stripe card. It is also desirable to provide a simpleportable card reader device that can be connected to a host device withthe portable card reader device providing the decoding function for thesensed magnetic stripe information with the host device acting as apoint-of-sale device. The host device can have an application programmedtherein to receive decoded data from the portable card reader device orto decode data contained on a magnetic stripe to submit the card data toa company or a third party that handles credit authentication requests.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one form of the present disclosure, a card reader device for readinga card having data stored on a magnetic stripe incorporated into thecard the card reader device comprises a read head for passing a magneticstripe of a card by to read data stored on a magnetic stripe and forproducing a signal indicative of data stored on a magnetic stripe, andan output plug adapted to be inserted into a headset jack associatedwith a host for providing the signal indicative of data stored on amagnetic stripe to a host device, wherein application software residenton the host device directs the processor of the host device to decodethe signal provided to the headset jack to produce the digital datastored on the card.

In another form of the present disclosure, a card reader device forreading a card having data stored on a magnetic stripe incorporated intothe card the card reader device comprises a read head for passing amagnetic stripe of a card by to read data stored on a magnetic stripeand for producing a signal indicative of data stored on a magneticstripe, an integrated circuit device connected to the signal settingdevice and the read head for receiving the signal indicative of datastored on a magnetic stripe, and an output plug adapted to be insertedinto a headset jack associated with a host for providing the signalindicative of data stored on a magnetic stripe to a host device, whereinapplication software resident on the host device directs the processorof the host device to decode the signal provided to the headset jack toproduce the digital data stored on the card.

In yet another form of the present disclosure, a card reader device forreading a card having data stored on a magnetic stripe incorporated intothe card the device comprises a read head for passing a magnetic stripeof a card by to read data stored on a magnetic stripe and for producinga signal indicative of data stored on a magnetic stripe, an integratedcircuit device connected to the signal setting device and the read headfor receiving the signal indicative of data stored on a magnetic stripe,and an output plug connected to the integrated circuit device adapted tobe inserted into an input associated with a host device for providingthe signal indicative of data stored on a magnetic stripe to a hostdevice and adapted to receive power from the host device by an audiooutput associated with the host device.

In light of the foregoing comments, it will be recognized that thepresent disclosure provides a card reader device comprised of a verysimple external device to be used in conjunction with a host devicehaving application software provided to perform the decoding function.

The present disclosure provides a card reader device that can read anddecode data stored on a magnetic stripe card by sensing the recordeddata waveform and transmitting the data waveform to a host device whereit is decoded with built in circuitry and application software providedin the host device.

The present disclosure also provides a card reader device that can readone or more tracks of data stored on a magnetic stripe card.

The present disclosure is directed to a card reader device that is ofsimple construction and design and which can be easily employed withhighly reliable results.

The present disclosure is related to a card reader device that can beeasily carried, transported, or stored.

The present disclosure is directed to a card reader device that can readand decode data stored on a magnetic stripe card by sensing the recordeddata waveform and transmitting the data waveform to a host device wherebuilt in circuitry and application software provided in the host devicereceives the data waveform and authenticates the card.

The present disclosure further provides a card reader device that may beconstructed in various shapes, designs, or forms.

The present disclosure is directed to a card reader device thatincorporates an integrated circuit device that senses and collects afingerprint associated with the magnetic stripe of the card.

The present disclosure also provides a card reader device that canoperate with existing magnetic stripe cards without having to retrofitor change existing magnetic stripe cards.

The present disclosure is further related to a card reader device thatcan be powered by a host device through the use of an available headsetjack to receive power from one or both of the audio channels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a card reader device constructedaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a card reader device constructedaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a card readerdevice constructed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method of operation of a card reader deviceconstructed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a card reader device constructedaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a card readerdevice constructed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the card reader device shown in FIG. 6;and

FIG. 8 is a further detailed schematic diagram of the card reader deviceshown in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to like items,number 10 identifies a preferred embodiment of a card reader deviceconstructed according to the present disclosure. With reference now toFIG. 1, the card reader device 10 is shown to comprise a housing 12having a slot 14 and an output jack 16 extending out from the housing12. The jack 16 is adapted to be inserted into a socket 18 such as amicrophone input or a line in audio input of a cell phone 20. It is alsopossible and contemplated that the jack 16 may be inserted into a socketassociated with other devices such as an iPod touch, a personal digitalassistant (PDA), or a device that has WiFi (wireless fidelity)connectivity. The jack 16 may be a TRS (tip, ring, sleeve) connectoralso known as an audio jack, phone plug, jack plug, stereo plug,mini-jack, or mini-stereo audio connector. The jack 16 may be formed ofdifferent sizes such as miniaturized versions that are 3.5 mm or 2.5 mm.It is also possible and contemplated that the jack 16 may be retractablewithin the housing 12.

The slot 14 is wide enough and deep enough to accept a card having amagnetic stripe. In particular, the slot 14 is deep enough that themagnetic stripe will fit within the slot 14. The slot 14 also has alength that is less than the length of the card to be inserted into theslot 14. However, it is also possible and contemplated that the slot 14may have other lengths if desired, for a given application. The housing12 may take on different shapes and sizes, as will be discussed furtherherein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of the card reader device 10. Thecard reader device 10 comprises a read head 22, such as an inductivepickup head, having a coil 24 connected to a signal amplitude settingdevice 26 such as a resistor which is connected to the jack 16. A lead28 connects the jack 16 to the coil 24 to complete the circuit. A card30, such as a credit card, has a magnetic stripe 32 associated with thecard 30. As has been previously discussed, the magnetic stripe 32 mayhave three tracks with each of the tracks containing data. The cardreader device 10 is capable of reading one track, usually track two,when the device 10 is connected to the microphone input of the cellphone 20. As the magnetic stripe 32 of the card 30 is passed by the readhead 22 the read head 22 reads data or information stored in themagnetic stripe 32. Although not shown, the card 30 is inserted into theslot 14 in the housing 12 and the card 30 is swiped or passed by theread head 22. Data stored in the magnetic stripe 32 may be in the formof magnetic transitions as described in the ISO 7811 standards. As thecard 30 moves past the read head 22, magnetic transitions representingdata induce a voltage in the coil 24. A voltage signal or waveformproduced by the coil 24 is provided to the resistor 26 with the resistorsetting the amplitude of the waveform. This waveform is sent via thejack 16 into the microphone input socket 18 of the cell phone 20. A pairof wires 34 and 36 connect the socket 18 to an amplifier 38. Theamplifier 38 amplifies the waveform received from the card reader device10. The amplified waveform is provided to an analog to digital converterdevice (ADC) 40 where the waveform in analog form is converted intodigital samples of the analog waveform. The digital samples are sent toa microprocessor 42 for further processing, as will be explained. Forthe sake of clarity and brevity most of the components of the cell phone20 have not been shown. However, the cell phone 20 may also include suchcomponents as memory including flash ROM, SRAM, a camera, a battery, LCDdriver, a display, an antenna, a speaker, a Bluetooth circuit, and WiFicircuitry. The flash ROM may contain programs, applications, and/or anoperating system for the cell phone 20.

The card reader device 10 is capable of being connected to the cellphone 20 for providing data stored in the magnetic stripe 32 of a card30. Once connected any magnetic stripe 32 that is swiped in the slot 14is read by the read head 22. The magnetic read head 22 generates ananalog waveform that results from changes in magnetization along thestripe 32 relative to the movement between the read head 22 and thestripe 32. The resistor 26 sets the amplitude of this signal and thissignal is provided to the cell phone 20. The resistor 26 is required tocontrol the amplitude of the signal because without the resistor 26 thesignal being sent to the cell phone 20 may not be within an acceptableamplitude for the hardware associated with the cell phone 20. If theresistor 26 is missing the signal being sent to the cell phone 20 wouldbe processed incorrectly by the cell phone 20. This signal is thenamplified by the amplifier 38 contained in the cell phone 20. The ADC 40of the cell phone 20 samples the amplified analog waveform at a givensampling rate and generates a stream of digital values or samples. Thesedigital samples are processed by the processor 42 that can in turnprovide information to a host system such as a third party or a companythat handles credit authentication requests. The processor 42 cancommunicate with the host system via the cell phone network, WiFi,Bluetooth or any other mode available to it. The host system may alsosend a signal to the cell phone 20 to indicate that the transaction hasbeen completed. The processor 42 may be controlled by a program or anapplication stored in memory or in a program storage area. The programor application can be programmed to decode digital samples received fromthe ADC 40 and use the decoded signals to contact a third party forauthorizing a transaction. In this manner, a payment from the cardholder's account can be transferred to the cell phone owner's account orallow the cell phone owner to transfer payment to a merchant thataccepts credit card transactions.

With reference now to FIG. 3, another embodiment of a card reader device80 is illustrated. The card reader device 80 comprises a housing 82having an inductive read head 84 with coil 86 connected to an amplifier88 which is connected to an output jack 90. The output jack 90 extendsout of the housing 82 and is adapted to be inserted into a line in audioinput or a stereo line in input associated with a cell phone or otherdevice such as an iPod Touch (not shown). A wire 92 connects the jack 90to the coil 86. Although not shown in this particular drawing, a slot isformed in the housing 82 near the coil 86 to allow a card having amagnetic stripe to be passed by the coil 86. Data or information storedin the magnetic stripe is read by the coil 86. The coil 86 produces awaveform indicative of data stored in the magnetic stripe and thiswaveform is provided to the amplifier 86. The amplified waveform is thentransmitted to the cell phone via the jack 88. The amplified waveformmay be provided to an ADC device for converting into digital samples tobe processed by a microprocessor in the cell phone. Once processed, thecell phone may contact a third party for processing a transaction ineither direction (i.e., to or from the cell phone owner's account).

Since the card reader device 80 uses the line in audio input of the cellphone, the card reader device 80 is capable of transmitting two tracksfrom the card being read. As has been previously discussed, a magneticstripe may have up to three tracks with each of the tracks containingdata. For example, the card reader device 80 may read tracks one and twoand send these signals to the cell phone as the left and right channelsof a stereo signal. However, with the card reader device 80 any two ofthe three tracks, usually tracks one and two, may be read and decodedwhen the card reader device 80 is connected to the stereo line ininputs. In some situations or constructions, it is possible that theamplifier 88 may need to be powered. The amplifier 88 may be poweredfrom a power source resident in the cell phone to which the device 80 isconnected.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart diagram of a method of operation 100 ofthe card reader device 10. The method 100 begins operation at a step 102in which a magnetic stripe card 30 is swiped through the slot 14. In anext step 104, the read head 22 reads data stored in the magnetic stripe32 and generates an analog signal or waveform indicative of data storedin the magnetic stripe 32. The waveform then has its amplitude set bythe resistor 26 in a step 106. Next, in a step 108, the set waveform isprovided to the cell phone 20 via the output jack 16 through the socket18. In a next step 110, the amplifier 38 amplifies the set waveform. Thewaveform is provided to the analog to digital converter device 40 forconversion to a digital signal in a step 112. An application or aprogram in the cell phone 20 decodes the digital signal in a next step114. In a next step 116, the program contacts a third party to authorizea transaction using the decoded signal. The third party eitherauthorizes or denies the transaction in a last step 118. For example, ifthe third party authorizes the transaction then money deducted from theaccount of the cardholder is transferred into an account associated withthe cell phone owner or vice versa. In this way, a debt can be collectedor paid by use of the card reader device 10. Further, the card readerdevices 10 or 80 may be employed to transact a one-way transaction inwhich money can be credited to an account. In essence, the card readerdevices 10 or 80 allow a user to become either a micro-merchant (payee)or a customer (payer) without having to purchase expensive card readerdevices or software.

With particular reference now to FIG. 5, another embodiment of a cardreader device 150 is shown. The card reader device 150 has a housing 152that is in the shape of an acorn. The device 150 has a slot 154 thatruns along a length or a width of the housing 152. The slot 154 has adepth that is deep enough to allow a magnetic stripe of a card to passthrough the slot 154. The slot 154 has a length that can be less thanthe length of a card to be read. The device also has a jack 156extending out of the housing 152. The device 150 may contain thecomponents shown in either FIG. 2 or FIG. 3. In particular, the device150 may be easily carried and connected to a cell phone when needed. Thedevice 150 is also small enough that it may be easily stored when not inuse. Other shapes, sizes, or designs for the card reader devices 10, 80,or 150 are possible and contemplated.

With particular reference now to FIG. 6, number 150 identifies anotherpreferred embodiment of a card reader device constructed according tothe present disclosure. The card reader device 150 is shown to comprisea housing 152 having a slot 154 and an output jack 156 extending outfrom the housing 152. The jack 156 is adapted to be inserted into asocket 158 such as an external microphone input of a host device 160that can connect to the Internet or can store data and provide data to adevice that can connect to the Internet. Some examples of the hostdevice 160 may include an iPod touch, a personal digital assistant(PDA), or a device that has WiFi connectivity. By further way ofexample, some cell phones have WiFi connectivity but the owner of thephone does not subscribe to a data plan to connect to the Internet sothe only way to connect to the Internet is through WiFi. The jack 156may be a TRS (tip, ring, sleeve) connector also known as an audio jack,phone plug, jack plug, stereo plug, mini-jack, or mini-stereo audioconnector. The jack 156 may be formed of different sizes such asminiaturized versions that are 3.5 mm or 2.5 mm. It is also possible andcontemplated that the jack 156 may be retractable within the housing152.

The slot 154 is wide enough and deep enough to accept a card having amagnetic stripe. In particular, the slot 154 is deep enough that themagnetic stripe will fit within the slot 154. The slot 154 also has alength that is less than the length of the card to be inserted into theslot 154. However, it is also possible and contemplated that the slot154 may have other lengths if desired, for a given application. Thehousing 152 may take on different shapes and sizes, as has beenpreviously discussed herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of the card reader device 150.The card reader device 150 comprises a read head 162, such as aninductive pickup head, having a coil 164 connected to a signal amplitudesetting device 166 such as a resistor which is connected to anintegrated circuit (IC) 168. The IC 168 may be, way of example only, amicrocontroller such as a Texas Instruments MSP430, a microprocessor, anASSP (application specific standard products) chip, or an ASIC(application specific integrated circuit) chip via a lead 170. Althoughnot shown, the IC 168 may be powered by a battery or as will beexplained in further detail herein by another connection to the hostdevice 160. The resistor 166 or other circuitry for setting theamplitude is required to control the amplitude of the signal becausewithout the resistor 166 the signal being sent to the IC 168 may not bewithin an acceptable amplitude for the IC 168. It is also possible thatthe signal amplitude setting device 166 may be incorporated within theIC 168. The IC 168 is connected to the jack 156 by a lead 170. A lead172 connects the IC 168 to the coil 164. A card 176, such as a creditcard, has a magnetic stripe 178 associated with the card 176. As hasbeen previously discussed, the magnetic stripe 178 may have three trackswith each of the tracks containing data. The card reader device 150 iscapable of reading one track of the possible three tracks when thedevice 150 is connected to the microphone input 158 of the host device160. As the magnetic stripe 178 of the card 176 is passed by the readhead 162 the read head 162 reads data or information stored in themagnetic stripe 178.

Although not shown, the card 176 is inserted into the slot 154 in thehousing 152 and the card 176 is swiped or passed by the read head 162.Data stored in the magnetic stripe 178 may be in the form of magnetictransitions as described in the ISO 7811 standards. As the card 176moves past the read head 162, magnetic transitions representing datainduce a voltage in the coil 164. A voltage signal or waveform producedby the coil 164 is provided to the resistor 166 with the resistor 166setting the amplitude of the waveform. This waveform is provided to theIC 168 for amplification, signal acquisition, and/or processing. Thewaveform is provided from the IC 168 to the host device 160 via the jack156 into the microphone input socket 158. It is also possible that theIC 168 can decode the waveform and determine the account number of thecard 176. Further, it is known that there exists an intrinsic remnantmagnetization pattern in the magnetic stripe 178 that comprises afingerprint that is unique to the card 176. If desired the IC 168 can beprogrammed to sense and collect this fingerprint and send thisinformation to the host device 160 for further authentication of thecard 176. A lead 180 connects the socket 158 to circuitry 182 within thehost device 160. The circuitry 182 may include various devices such asan amplifier, an ADC, an DAC (digital to analog converter), and amicroprocessor, all of which are not illustrated in this figure. The IC168 may also include circuitry and/or algorithms to process waveformsprovided from the reader 150 so as to verify account information and tocomplete a transaction, as has been previously discussed. As can beappreciated, there may be other components associated with the hostdevice 160, as has been discussed in connection with the cell phone 20.However, such components have not been shown in any detail.

The card reader device 150 is capable of being connected to the hostdevice 160 for providing data stored in the magnetic stripe 178 of thecard 176. Once connected any magnetic stripe 178 that is swiped in theslot 154 is read by the read head 162. The magnetic read head 162generates an analog waveform that results from changes in magnetizationalong the stripe 178 relative to the movement between the read head 162and the stripe 178. The resistor 166 sets the amplitude of this signaland this signal is provided to the IC 168. As indicated previously, itis possible that the IC 168 could include or incorporate the amplitudesetting device 166. The IC 168 can process the signal as either adigital signal or an analog signal which is then provided to the hostdevice 160. The host device 160 can provide information to a host systemsuch as a third party or a company that handles credit authenticationrequests. The host device 160 can communicate with the host system viaWiFi, Bluetooth, or any other mode available to it. The host system mayalso send a signal, an e-mail, or a message to the host device 160 toindicate that the transaction has been completed.

FIG. 8 illustrates the reader 150 being powered by the host device 160.In particular, the reader 150 has a plug 200 that is adapted to beconnected to a headphone jack 202 associated with the host device 160.The headphone jack 202 has at least one audio output channel and as mostcommonly found a left audio out channel 204 and a right audio outchannel 206. The audio out channels 204 and 206 are connected to a DAC208. The DAC 208 is connected to a microprocessor 210 via a connection212. Although one DAC 208 is shown it is possible to have more than oneDAC. The plug 200 is connected to an ADC 214 via a microphone inputchannel 216 and the ADC 214 is connected to the microprocessor 210 by aconnection 218. As has been previously discussed, the plug 200 may be anaudio jack, phone plug, jack plug, stereo plug, mini-jack, ormini-stereo audio connector.

The plug 200 is connected to the IC 168 via a left channel 220, a rightchannel 222, and a microphone input 224. The IC 168 is provided powerfrom the host device 160 in the following manner. One of the audio outchannels (204 or 206) can be programmed to output a waveform that isreadily rectified and low pass filtered to provide power to the IC 168.If the audio output of the host device 160 is DC (direct current)coupled, the audio out channel (204 or 206) can be programmed to a DClevel for use as power to the IC 168. Also, if stereo audio outputs areavailable the left audio out channel 204 and the right audio out channel206 can be combined to double the power to the reader device 150.

The IC 168 may have a digital interface to the host device 160 by usingthe left and right audio out channels 204 and 206 and the microphoneinput channel 216 of the host device 160. The host device 160 canprovide a data transfer clock and a serial data stream to the IC 168from the DAC 208 in the host device 160 while receiving synchronous datafrom the IC 168 via the microphone input 216. The data transfer clockcould be rectified and filtered to provide power to the IC 168 as well.An alternative method of transferring digital data from the IC 168 tothe host device 160 is to modulate a carrier waveform with the digitaldata and deliver the modulated waveform to the microphone input 216 ineither a synchronous (using an audio output for synchronization) orasynchronous manner. Examples of modulation formats are OOK, ASK, FSK,PSK, QPSK, MSK, or the like. Demodulation of the serial digital data canbe accomplished by the microprocessor 210 in the host device 160 underprogram control.

From all that has been said, it will be clear that there has thus beenshown and described herein a card reader device. It will become apparentto those skilled in the art, however, that many changes, modifications,variations, and other uses and applications of the subject card readerdevice are possible and contemplated. All changes, modifications,variations, and other uses and applications which do not depart from thespirit and scope of the disclosure are deemed to be covered by thedisclosure, which is limited only by the claims which follow.

1. A card reader device for reading a card having data stored on amagnetic stripe incorporated into the card the device comprising: a readhead for passing a magnetic stripe of a card by to read data stored on amagnetic stripe and for producing a signal indicative of data stored ona magnetic stripe; and an output plug adapted to be inserted into aheadset jack associated with a host device for providing the signalindicative of data stored on a magnetic stripe to a host device.
 2. Thecard reader device of claim 1 wherein the read head is inductive.
 3. Thecard reader device of claim 1 wherein the read head is contained withina housing and the output plug extends out of the housing.
 4. The cardreader device of claim 1 wherein the output plug comprises a 3.5 mmjack.
 5. The card reader device of claim 1 wherein the signal indicativeof data stored on a magnetic stripe is an analog signal.
 6. The cardreader device of claim 1 wherein the read head is contained within ahousing.
 7. A card reader device for reading a card having data storedon a magnetic stripe incorporated into the card the device comprising: aread head for passing a magnetic stripe of a card by to read data storedon a magnetic stripe and for producing a signal indicative of datastored on a magnetic stripe; an integrated circuit device connected tothe read head for receiving the signal indicative of data stored on amagnetic stripe; and an output plug connected to the integrated circuitdevice adapted to be inserted into a headset jack associated with a hostdevice for providing the signal indicative of data stored on a magneticstripe to a host device.
 8. The card reader device of claim 7 whereinthe integrated circuit device is capable of processing the signalindicative of data stored on a magnetic stripe.
 9. The card readerdevice of claim 7 wherein the integrated circuit device is capable ofamplification of the signal indicative of data stored on a magneticstripe.
 10. The card reader device of claim 7 wherein the integratedcircuit device is capable of signal acquisition.
 11. The card readerdevice of claim 7 wherein the integrated circuit device is amicrocontroller.
 12. The card reader device of claim 7 furthercomprising a housing containing the read head, the integrated circuitdevice, and the output plug.
 13. The card reader device of claim 12wherein the housing comprises a slot into which a card having a magneticstripe may be inserted and swiped.
 14. A card reader device for readinga card having data stored on a magnetic stripe incorporated into thecard the device comprising: a read head for passing a magnetic stripe ofa card by to read data stored on a magnetic stripe and for producing asignal indicative of data stored on a magnetic stripe; an integratedcircuit device connected to the read head for receiving the signalindicative of data stored on a magnetic stripe; and an output plugconnected to the integrated circuit device adapted to be inserted intoan input associated with a host device for providing the signalindicative of data stored on a magnetic stripe to a host device andadapted to receive power from the host device by an audio outputassociated with the host device.
 15. The card reader device of claim 14wherein the audio output has a left audio out channel and a right audioout channel with one of the audio out channels providing power to theintegrated circuit device.
 16. The card reader device of claim 15wherein the other one of the audio out channels provides power to theintegrated circuit device.
 17. The card reader device of claim 14wherein the integrated circuit device transforms the signal indicativeof data stored on the magnetic stripe into digital data.
 18. The cardreader device of claim 14 wherein the integrated circuit devicetransforms the signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripeinto a modulated waveform and provides the modulated waveform to thehost device in a synchronous manner.
 19. The card reader device of claim14 wherein the integrated circuit device transforms the signalindicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe into a modulatedwaveform and provides the modulated waveform to the host device in anasynchronous manner.
 20. The card reader device of claim 14 wherein thehost device has a pair of audio output channels and a microphone inputchannel and the host device can provide a data transfer clock on one ofthe audio output channels and a serial data stream on the other one ofthe audio output channels and the host device can receive synchronousdata from the integrated circuit device on the microphone input channel.